JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

Investigation into factors influencing nursing values in South Africa

Van Schalkwyk, Talita (2012-03)

Thesis (MCur)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.

Thesis

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Nursing is influenced by the values of each nurse (Mellish & Paton, 1999: 6). Values form an
integral part of human reality; they predict thoughts, feelings, actions and perceptions. Nursing
in South Africa, is defined as a "caring profession” (Act No. 33 of 2005) and forms a subculture
of the South African population, with nurses coming from different cultural and ethnic groups,
being of various ages and both genders. It was identified that a need exists to understand
nursing values and the factors influencing these values. Consequently, together with the lack
of research data regarding values in South Africa and the factors influencing them, the
importance to do an investigation into the factors influencing nursing values was identified.
The aim was to do an in-depth study into the factors influencing nursing values of nurses
working in nursing facilities in the Paarl district employed by the Provincial Administration of the
Western Cape, in the West Coast Winelands Region of the Western Cape. The objectives were
to determine the main reason for entering the nursing profession for nurses working in these
facilities; to identify the most important part of nursing practice; to identify the core nursing
values; to determine the factors influencing nursing values and the factors influencing nursing
care.
A quantitative research design using a descriptive, explorative survey was conducted. The
population included the three categories of nurses, with a total population of 470 nurses (N =
470). Research questionnaires were distributed to 388 participants working on the days of data
collection in all nursing departments, excluded nurses not permanently employed by the
Provincial Administration Western Cape, including nursing agency staff, students doing practica
and personnel on leave. The return rate was 60.56% (n = 235). The questionnaire was based
on a literature review and the objectives, and a pilot test ensured reliability and validity. The
results of the pilot study (n =10) were included in the findings, leading to 245 respondents (n =
245) being included in the main study. The questionnaire consisted of four sections and was
validated by an expert in nursing science and research methodology, a biostatistician, a quality
assurance manager and ethical committees. Four open-ended questions were included to
provide richer and more diverse data.
Only the researcher was involved in data collection that took place during day and night duty.
Descriptive statistics and appropriate inferential statistical tests were used in analysing the data. Ethical approval was obtained. Anonymity and confidentiality of respondents were observed
and written consent was obtained from respondents.
It was identified that nurses enter the nursing profession due to altruism and the most important
part of nursing encompasses caring. Differences in values important for behaviour of a nurse,
patient care and ethical decision making were identified. Findings depicted that age, years of
experience, qualification obtained, job description and department influence different values.
Results identified that political and social factors, as well as motivation influence nursing
practice. Recommendations include setting a clear value structure for nursing in South Africa;
attention to the evaluation of staff performance and management; enhancing motivation of staff
and the development of a management-for-nurse strategy.